Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-03-03
OPERA AT THE THEATRE
DuG's Company Score n Great suC.
cess i'm "A Trip to Africa"

The finest operate performance in
this city for many years was given at
the Theatre last night, when a Trip
to Africa" (Supps's) was put on by j.
G. Duff's Opera Company, in the pres
ence of large audience. Few troupes
possess as creditable a personnel or
ensemble, and no troupe has lately
given an entertainment here which
could approach the Oriental splendor
which marked this production through
out. The audience was entirely salts
fled and applauded with genuine en-
thusiasm.
The music is attractive and well writ
ten, and has an enchanting and almost
unmelodic wildness which bewilders
with its brilliancy and grandeur.
In the cast the beautiful and fine
looking Lillian Russell leads as Titania
Fanfani, niece of the Egyptian Pasha,
That she pleased everybody with her
strong, rich-toned voice and refined
manner is unquestioned, and her cos
tunes were lovely.
In the first act she wore walking
dress of late Partisan pattern. The
underskirt was lightgr satin, with
overskirt and coat of lace velvet bro
cade, forming a charming contrast.
She carried lace parasol and wore
bonnet which was a fine specimen of
milliner's art. The Turkish dress in
the second and third acts was superb.
IL was made Of rich crepe dc chine,
elaborately embroidered, and on her
head she wore a captivating head-dress,
harmonizing with the costume.
Mile. Vernona Jarbeau, who played
Tessa the French milliner, fascinated
the audience at her first entrance.
Though not possessing voice the equal
Of Miss Russell's, yet her shrugs and
French ways gave her warm place in
the audiences appreciation.
Mrs. Seguin played capitally the r6ie
Of Buccametta, Tessa's mother, and her
rich contralto voice was heartily en-
joyed.
OF the male characters, j. II. Ryley,
as Fanfani Pasha, Titania's uncle, was
the best. The part possesses a vein of
humor and fun, which was excellently
well brought out. Mr.. Ryley is an
actor OF no mean merit, and is perfectly
at ease on the stage.
HarryS. Hilliard, who plays Antarsid,
Prince of the Mironites, has a light
tenor voice, which he uses to the best
advantage.
Charles W. DUNCAN, as Miradillo, a
European traveller, was satisfactory.
The part calls for breezy cheek and
airy manner, with which Mr.. DUNCAN
impregnated it throughout the play.
Mr.. Weisner played Nakid, a koptic
dealer in poisons and perfumes, quite
well. The rest of the cast lacked promi-
nence, but filled in well.
OF the chorus much can be said.
First, that it was large, numbering
twenty-five or more; second, that it
contained strongand well-trained voices,
and sang with effective "snap" and
accuracy, and third, that it was beauti-
fully and decorously dressed. To array
It's members-men and women-in
more variegated and yet harmonious
costumes would have been difficult.
The picture was a lovely one at the
end of the second act, when the whole
cast and chorus were on the stage and
a boat glided into view. Some OF the
chorus.girls were arrayed as slaves,
bearing pitchers and fruit-others as
the Pasha's wives, their faces yelled
lightly-while the men were robed as
guards, soldiers, bedouins, and ser
wants.
The scenery used should be men
toned most fayorably. All the scenes
are laid in Egypt; the first ia Cairo,
the second on the banks OF the Nile
the latter running in the background,
rising and overhowing its banks, and
on one side the pyramids; the thirl
represents an oasis in the desert, with
colored tents in the foreground. trees
and shrubs in the rear, and behind all
the sun, which rises as the day grows
older. The calcium light from the
family circle added effectiveness to the
whole.
Tonight "Gasparone," by the au-
thor of the "Blaek Hussar," will be
presented.